The charming town in southern Umbria is renowned for its natural beauty. A must-see is the Marmore Falls, the highest man-made waterfalls in the world, offering a breathtaking spectacle. In the town's heart, the Basilica di San Valentino, dedicated to the patron saint of lovers, beckons visitors, earning the town its nickname, the City of Lovers. Other notable attractions include the Nera River Park, the archaeological park Carsulae, and the medieval Barbarasa Tower.
Another gem is the Cathedral of Terni, which impresses with its frescoes and architectural details. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Lago di Piediluco, which provides a picturesque setting and opportunities for hiking and relaxation by the water.
Top Highlights of Terni
Breathtaking Natural Spectacle
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Cascata delle Marmore
Terni
If you’re near Terni, don't miss the magnificent waterfalls. At 165 meters high, they are the tallest artificial waterfalls in the world! It’s astonishing, but this marvel is a testament to Roman engineering, created in 271 BC to drain the Velino plain. The three majestic tiers cascade thunderously, making for a breathtaking sight. A perfect day trip, especially in the summer heat, with a chance to cool off depending on the path you take. Viewpoint No. 2, for instance, might get you wet.
Popular Rowing Paradise
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Lago di Piediluco
Terni
Nestled in the gentle foothills of the Apennines, Lake Piediluco offers a picturesque landscape that inspired 19th-century artists like Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot. Once part of the ancient Lacus Velinus, the lake, sitting at 375 meters above sea level, now draws visitors with its serene waters—perfect for water sports like rowing. It’s no surprise that Italy’s national rowing team trains here.
Open-air museum of the Roman era
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Carsulae
Terni
Just 4 km north of San Gemini, tucked away in the rolling green Martani Mountains, lie the atmospheric ruins of Carsulae - once a bustling Roman city, founded around 300 BC. Its rise was largely thanks to the Via Flaminia, one of ancient Rome’s most important consular roads, built in 220 BC. Today, what remains is a peaceful open-air museum where timeworn stones and crumbling arches tell stories of a once-glorious past.
The Heart of Lovers
Basilica di San Valentino
Terni
The Basilica of San Valentino in Terni sits in a scenic spot, just 2 km from the city center, on the grounds of a former Christian cemetery. This elegant Baroque church, built over the tomb of St. Valentine—the first bishop of Terni and a martyr — combines simplicity with architectural beauty. Every year on February 14, couples flock to the basilica to receive a blessing and vow eternal love.
Visit the Crypt
Terni Cathedral
Terni
In the heart of Terni, on Piazza del Duomo, stands the impressive Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, whose roots date back to the 2nd century. Built over a pagan temple, this cathedral reflects the city's tumultuous history and is a beautiful example of Romanesque and Baroque architecture. Particularly striking are the ornate façade with its portico and the impressive interiors, which house works by artists such as Guido Reni, who created the painting "Noli me tangere," and Domenico Corsi, known for the intricately carved wooden choir from 1559.
Older than the Colosseum in Rome
Anfiteatro Fausto
Terni
Nestled in the green heart of "La Passeggiata" park, near the cathedral, lies the Anfiteatro Fausto, a relic of the Roman era. Built around 32 AD under the patronage of Emperor Tiberius by Fausto Liberale, this amphitheater once held around 10,000 spectators. The oval structure, measuring 98 x 73 meters, hosted games and events for the ancient city of Interamna Nahars.
Majolica Tiles & Frescoes
San Francesco
Terni
The Chiesa di San Francesco, located on Piazza San Francesco, was built in 1265 on the site of an older chapel where St. Francis himself often preached 40 years earlier. One of its most striking features is the bell tower, completed in 1445 and adorned with colorful majolica tiles, which defines the skyline of Terni. The Cappella Paradisi, with its intricate decoration, is also a highlight. Its 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgment by Bartolomeo di Tommaso vividly depict scenes of paradise, hell, and the seven deadly sins.
Symbol of the city's industrial strength
Fontana dello Zodiaco
Terni
The Fontana dello Zodiaco (1932–1936) on Piazza Tacito is a beloved landmark in Terni. Designed by Mario Ridolfi and Mario Fagiolo, the fountain is a striking example of rationalist architecture, symbolizing the city’s industrial strength. Durable materials like red porphyry, Carrara marble, and stainless steel were used to reinforce this idea. The vibrant mosaics depicting the 12 zodiac signs were created by renowned artist Corrado Cagli and crafted from fine Venetian glass by the famous Salviati workshop.
Politcal Frescoes in the Town Hall
Palazzo Spada
Terni
The Palazzo Spada, a stunning Renaissance building from the mid-16th century, was commissioned by Count Michelangelo Spada and stands in the heart of Terni at Piazza Mario Ridolfi. Designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the palace features strict cubic architecture, later transformed by an 18th-century arcade that dramatically altered its facades. Inside, you'll find remarkable frescoes by Flemish artist Karel van Mander, illustrating powerful scenes like the Battle of Lepanto and the Massacre of the Huguenots, reflecting the Spada family’s support for the Catholic Reformation. Today, it houses the Town Hall, where the main hall, now a council chamber, is adorned with mythological scenes such as Phaeton's punishment by Jupiter.
Futuristic symbol of the steel city of Terni
Lance of Light
Terni
At the end of Corso del Popolo, the Lancia di Luce rises, one of Terni’s most striking modern landmarks and a favorite photo spot. This 30-meter-tall, futuristic steel obelisk, created in 1995 by renowned sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro, reflects both the city’s industrial heritage and its vision for the future.
